Cliff Williams Will Retire After AC/DC’s Current Tour

Bassist Cliff Williams, the second-longest tenured member of AC/DC, will retire after the band's troubled tour in support of Rock or Bust. In the end, it seems the loss of three bandmates in quick succession was more than Williams could take.

"It's been what I've known for the past 40 years, but after this tour I'm backing off of touring and recording," Cliff tells Gulfshore Life. "Losing Malcolm [Young], the thing with Phil [Rudd] and now with Brian [Johnson], it's a changed animal. I feel in my gut it's the right thing."

That left Williams and stalwart guitarist Angus [Young], together since 1978's Powerage. Over the years, Williams contributed to a stunning 11-album run of platinum or multi-platinum sales. Rock or Bust then peaked at No. 1 in 12 countries. "When you start out, you kind of hope for success," Williams admits. "That's what you are working for. But you never really know. It's been surreal, really."

His departure leaves Slade – who had an earlier stint from 1989-94 – as the most veteran member of AC/DC after Angus Young, who co-founded the group in 1973. Stevie Young sat in briefly in 1988 before returning in 2014.